Neato XV-21 - Pet and Allergy Model Released.

Neato has just announced the release of their newest model - the Neato XV-21 with a new bristled brush and an improved dust filter.

The main improvements are a new filter which is much stronger and more durable than the standard filter, allowing for greater suction and improved airflow which the company claims allows the Neato to pick up three times as many dust particles as the standard filter. It also comes with a new bristled brush which is better at picking up pet hair and allows the Neato to run even quieter on hardwood floors. The new brush and filter will also be available to purchase separately for only $29.99 for Neato XV-11 owners, so there is no need for existing owners to upgrade, unless you really can't live without the funky new color scheme of the Neato XV-21 that is.

Newark, Calif., March 12, 2012 - Neato Robotics®, a Silicon Valleycompany that pioneers new technologies and products to free peoplefrom household chores, today announced a new automatic vacuum cleanerthat's designed especially for pet owners and allergy sufferers. TheNeato XV-21, which works on all floor types, includes a new bristledbrush to improve the pick-up of pet hair, dander and fibers and allowsthe vacuum cleaner to run more quietly than previous models,especially on hardwood floors. A new filter, which is cleanable anddesigned for long-term use, provides increased airflow and suctionpower that allows the Neato XV-21 to pick up and retain more thanthree times the fine dust particles of the company's standard filter.The new brush and filter will work with all other existing NeatoRobotics models on the market today, making it easy for current ownersto upgrade their automatic vacuum cleaners.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends vacuumingfrequently and reducing the amount of pet dander, fur and feathers inthe home as two simple steps to help prevent allergy outbreaks. A 2011study by Quest Diagnostics found that allergies are on the rise in theU.S. with one in five Americans now being affected. Allergies to dustmites, pet dander, ragweed and other allergens now account for morethan 17 million visits to the doctor per year, according to thereport.

With the Neato XV-21's ability to automatically clean homes on its ownwith no human assistance, allergy sufferers can avoid allergens in theair caused by cleaning that can sometimes trigger reactions. Customerscan easily set an automatic cleaning schedule for the Neato XV-21 toclean every day, keeping homes neat and healthy and carpetswell-groomed. It vacuums close to walls and corners, avoids bumpinginto furniture and returns automatically to its base to re-chargeitself.

"Our customers have increasingly asked us for a better way to pick upeven more pet hair, dander and fine dust in their homes," says WarrenFlick, CEO of Neato Robotics, Inc. "The Neato XV-21 delivers on thatmarket need with a combination of increased suction power and airflowand more than three times the fine dust pick-up of our standardfilters. We continue to focus on delivering new, innovative productsthat save customers time and keep homes neat, clean and healthy.

The Neato XV-21 is available in Misty White with purple highlights andis designed to automatically and intelligently clean homes on a dailybasis, ensuring clean floors and more free time for its owners. Usingsmart path planning and a methodical back-and-forth cleaning pattern,it thoroughly cleans all types of floors and creates that neat, "justcleaned" look on carpets.

Availability and Pricing

The Neato XV-21 will be available for purchase for $429 M.S.R.P. atthe end of April through the Neato Robotics website and an expandinglist of retail partners. The new pet and allergy filter ($29.99M.S.R.P.) and Pet and Allergy Upgrade Kit that includes the newbristled brush ($59.99 M.S.R.P.) will work with all other existingNeato Robotics automatic vacuum cleaners and simply requires customersto download a free version of the 2.6 firmware upgrade using the USB port on the back of unit.